Officer Maxwell needed back-up, but Rex was back in the car. Maxwell, hit one button on his duty belt and the police car doors opened for Rex to get. Without hesitation, Officer Maxwell says Rex was soon by his side, helping in the fight.

“Rex did a good job at stopping him from striking me anymore. He did his job. He did exactly what we would expect him to do,” said Maxwell.

Police say the German Shepard grabbed on to Nixon, and wouldn’t let go, until he was in handcuffs.

“I`m not really sure what was going through his head, but I think it was a surprise when Rex apprehended him,” said Maxwell.

Officer Maxwell says this is the first time any of the current K-9 units on the force have had to protect their handler, in a situation like this.

Nixon faces charges for assaulting a police officer and possession of a controlled substance.

Nixon was also taken to the hospital and treated for his injuries. He has since been released to the Lauderdale County detention center.